President Kibaki is in New York for the 66th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

President Kibaki will brief fellow heads of State on the outcome of last week's summit on the Horn of Africa crises.

The summit drew up short-and long-term solutions to the perennial drought and famine in the horn.

The President will also seek international support to implement the "Nairobi Strategy", adopted to eradicate drought emergencies in the Horn of Africa.

Influx of refugees

He will also be calling for backing to find a permanent solution to the Somalia crises that has led to an unprecedented influx of 500,000 refugees into Kenya.

The UN has convened a special high-level summit on Somalia next week.

The theme of this year's assembly is "The role of mediation in the settlement of disputes by peaceful means". This is important for Kenya given its role in negotiating regional peace deals.

The 66th assembly's focus on peaceful settlement is expected to revitalise the UN's role on mediation in responding early to crises.

The General Assembly is further expected to explore ways of tackling armed conflicts and climate change.

The assembly will also discuss disaster prevention and response, populations, food shortages, health and education crises.

The assembly is also expected to examine progress towards the attainment of UN Millennium Development Goals.

Alchohol abuse

It will take into consideration the global economic status and find ways to improve governance.

The summit will also discuss ways of tackling four non-communicable diseases - cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic respiratory disease and diabetes - and the risk of alcohol abuse, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and environmental carcinogens. (PPS)